Challenges of telerobotics in coronary bypass surgery

Milestones to optimal adoption of robotic technology in gynecology

Minimally invasive technology, especially robotics, is gaining widespread acceptance and is becoming the standard approach for the treatment of both benign and malignant gynecologic conditions in centers across the country. However, there are challenges on a systems-based level to the implementation of a robotic program. Prominent among the concerns is the length of the learning curve, team-building, quality of life, and financial and various organizational challenges. The purpose of this review article is to address those challenges as milestones on the progress to a successful robotics program and explore possible solutions.

Managing Port-Site Bleeding during Less Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

<p><b>Introduction:</b> Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (r-CABG) requires the placement of ports bluntly through the chest wall. When removed, these ports create bleeding sites that can be difficult to detect and treat. This study evaluated whether a topical hemostatic agent placed locally within these sites helps to reduce bleeding and blood product requirements.</p><p><b>Methods:</b> We retrospectively analyzed outcomes for r-CABG cases where 5 mL of a flowable hemostatic agent was injected locally within all port sites (hemostat group, n = 62) compared with patients whose port sites were untreated (controls, n = 131). Outcomes included chest tube output, red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, length of hospital stay, and the risk of reoperation for bleeding. Analyses were adjusted for risk factors known to influence bleeding and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score as a weighted composite of variables, which controls for patient and clinical variables.</p><p><b>Results:</b> The 2 study groups had similar baseline characteristics and underwent the same r-CABG procedure. The hemostat group had significant reductions in RBC transfusion (24.2% versus 40.8% receiving blood; <i>P</i> = .026; 0.44 versus 1.39 U transfused postoperatively, <i>P</i> = .024). After adjustment for bleeding risks (using STS risk score), differences in transfusions remained significant. Reoperation rates for bleeding, length of stay, chest tube drainage, and intraoperative transfusions were not significantly different in the 2 groups.</p><p><b>Conclusions:</b> There was significantly reduced postoperative bleeding and less exposure to blood products in the hemostat group. These findings suggest that undetected bleeding from sites used for port access serves as an underappreciated source of morbidity after r-CABG.</p>